Prom 20: 30.07.16 - Berlioz: Romeo and Juliet

**BBMmk2** · 30-08-16, 07:56

I can't wait for the recording by Sir Andrew Davis on Chandos, of this work!

**ferneyhoughgeliebte** · 30-08-16, 08:25

Originally posted by Brassbandmaestro View Post

I can't wait for the recording by Sir Andrew Davis on Chandos, of this work!

Something to look forward to, indeed, Bbm.

**Barbirollians** · 30-08-16, 21:27

It is an extraordinary and amazingly innovative work but I do find it rather long to listen to in one go .

This was a good performance although I found the tenor rather hammy . As for recordings I have the VPO Colin Davis which is terrific .

**EnemyoftheStoat** · 30-08-16, 22:02

Originally posted by Barbirollians View Post

It is an extraordinary and amazingly innovative work but I do find it rather long to listen to in one go .

This was a good performance although I found the tenor rather hammy . As for recordings I have the VPO Colin Davis which is terrific .

I took the Davis recording down from the shelf when preparing for the Davis recording - work that one out. The Bavarian chorus's attempt at French prompted me to put it back on the shelf pretty quickly.

**Ferretfancy** · 31-08-16, 09:53

Originally posted by EnemyoftheStoat View Post

I took the Davis recording down from the shelf when preparing for the Davis recording - work than one out. The Bavarian chorus's attempt at French prompted me to put it back on the shelf pretty quickly.

For sheer zest the Monteux version gets me every time!

**BBMmk2** · 31-08-16, 09:56

Originally posted by Ferretfancy View Post

For sheer zest the Monteux version gets me every time!

I'll have to look for that!

**ferneyhoughgeliebte** · 31-08-16, 10:42

Originally posted by Barbirollians View Post

It is an extraordinary and amazingly innovative work but I do find it rather long to listen to in one go .

Yes - I used to feel that. I've found that the more I listen to it complete, the "shorter" it gets (whilst staying extraordinary and amazing)

This was a good performance although I found the tenor rather hammy . As for recordings I have the VPO Colin Davis which is terrific .

Yes - he made the most of his brief appearance didn't he

I don't know Davis/VPO - I have JEGgers himself, Munch, and (possibly my favourite of all) Inbal. (I used to have Dutoit - a bit bland - on cassette, and the older Davis on LP.)

**vinteuil** · 31-08-16, 14:09

Originally posted by ferneyhoughgeliebte View Post

Yes - I used to feel that. I've found that the more I listen to it complete, the "shorter" it gets (whilst staying extraordinary and amazing)

... I have JEGgers himself, Munch, and (possibly my favourite of all) Inbal.

...ferney - a good nudge, many thanks. Am listening again to the Inbal - lordy, it is wonderful.

I don't seem to have the John-Eliot G nor the Munch, but amazon have some cheapies on offer, so that can be rectified...

.

Originally posted by ferneyhoughgeliebte View Post

But this is typical of Berlioz at this time in his career - not-quite-right harmonies, rhythmic patterns that don't quite do what's expected, unconventional orchestration, phrases that go on longer than expected, melodies that are a bit weird - but put all these individual "anomalies" together, and it works, and works wonderfully. So it is with this astonishing Symphony: what at first listening sounds like a vaguely strung together series of bananas events - especially if you're expecting things that aren't there - gradually coheres and becomes something utterly valid and unique - and quite magnificent - as a Symphony.

I think I said before, but it bears repetition - there isn't a better composer born in the first two thirds of the 19th Century than Berlioz; and this is one of his finest achievements.

.

**BBMmk2** · 31-08-16, 14:19

Originally posted by vinteuil View Post

...ferney - a good nudge, many thanks. Am listening again to the Inbal - lordy, it is wonderful.

I don't seem to have the John-Eliot G nor the Munch, but amazon have some cheapies on offer, so that can be rectified...

.

.

JEGGERS has done a recording? I've yet to listen to the Monteux. I have the Gergiev, which I think is worth a listen, also the Sir Colin Davis on LSO Live in the Berlioz Anniversary Box, then I am waiting for the Sir Andrew Davis to be released! Hmmmm.....

**vinteuil** · 31-08-16, 14:35

Originally posted by Brassbandmaestro View Post

JEGGERS has done a recording? ...

.

Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007FOV0K8

... or if you want de luxe :

Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0000069CM

**teamsaint** · 31-08-16, 16:21

Originally posted by Brassbandmaestro View Post

JEGGERS has done a recording? I've yet to listen to the Monteux. I have the Gergiev, which I think is worth a listen, also the Sir Colin Davis on LSO Live in the Berlioz Anniversary Box, then I am waiting for the Sir Andrew Davis to be released! Hmmmm.....

Monteux at a very good price used.

Amazon.co.uk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Romeo-Juliet-Berlioz/dp/B00000DWBE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1472660349&sr=8-5&keywords=monteux+berlioz

or in this box if feeling flush.

Amazon.co.uk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Westminster-Legacy-DG-box-set/dp/B00GBJVK0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472660446&sr=8-1&keywords=westminster+legacy